Economic developers trying to sell Sioux Falls took Minnesota business leaders out to the ballgame as part of a larger effort to pitch new business prospects.

The Sioux Falls Development Foundation and Governor's Office of Economic Development hosted a suite at the July 24 Minnesota Twins game and filled it with representatives of businesses considering expanding or relocating to the state.

"I think it went great," said Dean Dziedzic, the foundation's director of strategic initiatives. "We got good comments back. I've received follow-up emails from people thanking us who enjoyed it."

The event was the capstone of a three-day blitz that brought several state and local economic development representatives to the Twin Cities.

Dziedzic, who had several appointments with businesses considering bringing projects to Sioux Falls, said reaction to the area's business climate was positive.

"I think the Minnesota companies gravitate toward it. They get it. They understand it," he said. "It's not shocking to them because they realize that South Dakota is a pro-business state. They're very favorable to that conversation."

"The event definitely offered the governor an opportunity to share one-on-one with Minnesota business leaders the advantages of doing business in South Dakota," he said. "The Sioux Falls Development Foundation did a great job of getting high-level executives to the game."

State economic development officials met with more than two dozen Minnesota businesses and organizations during the three-day blitz.

Among the distinguishing factors between the two states, data from GOED shows:

• South Dakota's unemployment tax is approximately one-fourth of Minnesota's.

• South Dakota's real per capita personal income is $3,000 higher than Minnesota's.

• South Dakota's per capita state (public) debt is half of Minnesota's.

"South Dakota's outstanding business climate was clearly an advantage," Costello said. "Some companies we met with were extremely impressed with South Dakota's regulatory environment. Companies complimented South Dakota for its proactive approach for addressing regional skilled workforce challenges."

Dziedzic said workforce needs also came up in his conversations with business prospects as he assured them the area could deliver enough employees.

Ten Minnesota business representatives were guests at the game, including an executive with TCF Financial and others who already have ties here.

Several local business leaders, including Lawrence & Schiller CEO Scott Lawrence, also attended to help sell the state.

"I would call it a smashing success," he said. "I personally had two conversations about businesses that want to expand, one to expand and one to relocate. I thought it was a great night, and I came home walking on air."

Things in Sioux Falls "are on the move," Lawrence said. "And this is just another indicator of the interest in Sioux Falls and South Dakota when you can fill up a suite with prospects from the Twin Cities."

His advertising and marketing firm also is planning an expansion in the Twin Cities market, and Lawrence said there are clear synergies with Sioux Falls.

"In reality, the Twin Cities are a big market, a vibrant market, but the people are just like we are," he said. "They want to do business with people that they can enjoy, trust and know are going to deliver the goods, so we've had very, very refreshing conversations."